October 2011

Just a strip carved out of Senegal, The Gambia may seem like it does not have much to offer. However, for those seeking nature travel experiences in this remote part of Africa, The Gambia hosts some of the continent's finest treasures. In fact, the nation has been dedicated to preserving the natural environment ever since the 1977 Banjul Declaration, which states the country's commitment to conservation.

During your afternoon at leisure in Cusco on Day 6 of IE’s Machu Picchu tour, consider strolling through the streets of the San Blas District. Artisans have established their homes and workshops in San Blas – many teaching the younger generation of Peruvians traditional crafting techniques. This is a perfect chance to pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir!

Paddling along the Clarinho River in Brazil's northern Pantanal will offer many fantastic wildlife sightings, but the capybara may be one of the most interesting for those seeking a rich nature travel experience.

Resembling both a guinea pig and a beaver, the 100-pound mammal is the largest rodent in the world. Found in several South American countries, the capybara lives in the dense vegetation that surrounds lakes, rivers, marshes and ponds, which is why visitors to the Pantanal — a spectacular wilderness of wetlands — are likely to see one.

India has a wealth to offer international tourists, from nature travel in the rich Western Ghats to the urban explorations afforded by the modern metropolis of Mumbai. Plus, the vibrant Indian culture draws travelers from across the globe. Modern explorers looking for a unique glimpse of the both the native culture and amazing wildlife can join International Expeditions’ India Tiger Safari, which includes a stop in Khajuraho. This small town is famed for its temples featuring exquisite — and often erotic — depictions of the Hindu and Jain pantheons of gods.

The Galapagos Islands are truly unique in the world. The opportunity to walk among curious and unafraid wildlife is just extraordinary. I have been fortunate to have been to the Galapagos many times, but the experience of being with wildlife that is so accessible, wildlife that is unafraid and non-threatening, is always joyous and amazing.

For 31 years, International Expeditions has taken great pride in helping you discover natural frontiers and Earth's most storied wildlife regions. But whether we are taking travelers into the depths of the Amazon or the villages of Papua New Guinea, every IE journey started out as a dream in the heads and hearts of our team.

Vivid violet fish, round-nosed dolphins and lizards with turquoise spots were some of the 1,060 news species discovered on Papua New Guinea between 1998 and 2008, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Of the myriad species spotted on Galapagos Islands cruises, most travelers expect to see rare and exotic species of sea turtles. Now it seems that the days when vacationers could see the ancient Pinta tortoise could be numbered, as the species has dwindled down to a single representative.

Heavy on rice and beans, Costa Rican cuisine also incorporates ingredients native to the country like beef, chicken and fish.

Costa Rican cuisine is known for being simple and not highly seasoned, which, for some, makes it less than memorable. But as you travel throughout Costa Rica, foodies can find an infusion of flavors from around the world. Whether looking for a French, Italian, Peruvian or Japanese dish, it can be found on your Costa Rica tour!

One of the most exciting aspects of a Turkey and Greece cruise is reliving the ancient history that is scattered across the islands and peninsulas. In ancient times and today, people were familiar with Aphrodite, the goddess of love. But it was not until Praxiteles, a sculptor from the 4th century B.C., made his famous work that the world came to know her in the buff.

Researchers from Case Western Reserve University recently found the oldest fossils on the South American continent along the banks of the Ucayali River, an offshoot of the Amazon River.

The fossils, which are at least 41 million years old, are the teeth of mouse and rat-sized animals that experts say are most closely related to African rodents. They are from the suborder Caviomorpha, which means they are related to living species such as guinea pigs, chinchillas and New World porcupines.

From the pyramids to the Nile, an Egypt tour has an aspect of adventure and discovery unmatched by any other place on earth. But why? As Gina Davidson writes for the Scotsman, Egyptians didn't exactly do that much for modern society. The preoccupation with Romans makes sense, as they left behind legacies such as roads, viaducts and bridges that we still use today. But Egyptians, with their hieroglyphs, mummies and animal-headed gods left us fascinating artifacts for museums.

Panama is full of fascinating sights, both man made and natural. And while exploring the historical and engineering wonders of the canal is a highlight for many first-time visitors to Panama, nature travel enthusiasts will want to check out Soberanía National Park for a different kind of excitement.

Andean condors offer the ultimate in viewings for avid birders and amateurs alike. The massive birds are some of the largest flying creatures in the world, and are a highlight of nature travel through the Andes. A particularly good place to spot these awesome animals is at Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia.

While much of the Western world has shed the religious associations of Halloween in favor of focusing on pranks, costumes and copious amounts of candy, as you travel around the globe you can find a number of fascinating ways to celebrate one of the world’s oldest holidays.